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Thursday

Nature Based Character Development Unit Study: Diligence and the Ant

The idea to do nature based
character studies came to me one day while sitting in church. I thought of the
many examples that God gives us in Scripture of things that are found in nature
that He uses to help shape our character. Probably the most familiar example is
the ant in Proverbs 6:6-8. God tells us to take the time to observe the ant and
to see how she works. Her very nature is diligence. She doesn’t need someone
standing over her telling her what to do. She has initiative and a hardworking
spirit. I don’t know about you, but that’s the kind of character I want for
myself and my family.

This led me to start thinking
about studying the examples that are laid out for us in Scripture and to
faithfully teach them to my children. I was thrilled with the results!
Scripture was easily memorized, character was supernaturally developed and fun
was had as we snacked, read and crafted our way through the unit.

One thing I didn’t expect to
discover in these units was how badly I needed them! It was heart wrenching
sometimes to have the magnifying glass of God’s Word show me where I needed to
change. But transparency on my part and love from my children helped me to grow
alongside them. It also allowed them to have the freedom to be honest with
their own struggles. The only way true change can take place is when we allow
our sinful hearts to get a thorough cleansing on a daily
basis from God’s Word.“He saved us, not on the basis of deeds
which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing
of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5

God designed us in such a way
that the more senses we use, the more learning will take place. With that in mind, I designed
activities that use various senses. As you work through the character study
activities, be sure to incorporate the verse for that unit during your time with your
child. God’s Word is hidden deep in our hearts simply by talking about it
regularly. In fact, young children will often memorize things without any effort
on their part simply because they heard something over and over. I can think of
no better way for them to meditate on and memorize God’s Word than by hearing a
caring adult talk about it with them often. (Psalm 119:11; Deuteronomy 6:9)

I used this character study
with my children ages 4-13 You will probably find that it will take you about
a week, on average, to work through all of the activities. Some of the
activities might be a little advanced for a toddler/preschooler and some will
be below an older child. What I have found to be true in our home is that when
I teach everyone together, some things go over the younger children’s heads but
they pick up on things along the way. Additionally, some things might be
considered too young for an older child but they are flexible and go along with
the activities simply because we’re completing them together.

It would make me so happy to
see how you incorporate this unit study into

your home. I love the creativity
that abounds among families! If you would like to, please tag
@purposefulhomemaking on either Instagram or Facebook so I can see how you
are using these studies to develop godly character in your home.

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